In 1989 the GT-R was the first production car to lap the Nurburgring in less than eight minutes and the renowned 21km German racetrack remains an important proving ground for Nissan.

Mizuno says the latest GT-R could record a lap time of about 7 minutes 20 seconds in ideal conditions after slightly damp conditions last year resulted in a 7min 24sec. He insists, however, that Nissan isn't focused on beating Porsche despite engaging in a famous war of words with the German car maker over lap times at the track.

"For all [GT-R] customers to be able to drive high speed and achieve such lap times consistently is very important," he says. "Porsche, Ferrari ... they have special models, slick tyres [to achieve their times].

"We use the standard tyre and most popular model - the same specification for market sale."

Nissan Australia admits the regular updates to the GT-R result in sales being affected once enthusiasts learn that a revised model is about six months away.

Related Content

The company sold 240 GT-Rs in the first 12 months, but is now settling on 100-150 sales a year.

It also defends a price increase for the supercar, which now costs $20,000 more to get into compared to its $148,800 entry price in 2009.

Nissan says the GT-R is available now in just a single specification and is based on the more expensive, better-equipped Premium trim level that previously cost $159,000. It says the rest is justified by the major upgrades.

"[The extra cost] is very much in the performance," says Darren Holland, Nissan Australia's product marketing manager for the GT-R. "It's very much the sum of its parts. A significant amount of engineering has gone into development."

The GT-R's V6 now produces 390kW of power and 612Nm of torque - up 33kW and 24Nm respectively. Outputs are again distributed to all four wheels via a rear-mounted six-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

Re-profiled bumpers front and rear - the latter featuring a carbonfibre diffuser - contribute to improved aerodynamics and downforce, according to Nissan. There are slightly bigger brakes, lighter wheels and new tyres designed for more grip in both the wet and dry.

The suspension has also been revised to further enhance handling, though Nissan says it has also aimed to provide a more cosseting ride. Adaptive dampers again feature three driving modes: Comfort for touring, Sports that Nissan says offers the "best ride/handling balance" for the road, and the more aggressive R setting for track days.